Why Weave Willow?
* Achievable - objects woven in willow can be made very easily and quickly, bringing a sense of satisfaction.
* Engaging - the act of weaving can be very relaxing while demanding full attention
* Creative - weaving willow can inspire the imagination since it lends itself to be used in many different ways
* Physically active - the craft of weaving involves physical activity — flexing the rods and manipulating the weavers requires and develops upper body strength and manual dexterity
* Inclusive - willow weaving doesn’t suffer from stereotyping – its not felt to be childish or just for men or women
* Historically interesting - the skills learnt are based on a traditional craft developed over hundreds of years, examples of which can be seen throughout the world
* Green and clean - the willow supplied is grown in the UK without the use of pesticides or fertilisers. It is a sustainable crop, the same plants being harvested year after year.
What is Get Weaving?
Get Weaving was started by Susanna Longley, a trained horticulturalist and artist. Susanna came to willow-weaving from willow-growing. She harvests the organically grown willow used in her workshops from her own plantation.
After 2 years weaving willow with homeless people at a Cambridge-based drop-in centre, Susanna recognised the benefits of weaving to wide cross-section of people, including those with physical impairments and mental health issues.
The workshop sessions available range from one-off taster sessions for service-users to training sessions for teachers and therapists. A series of day-long sessions are recommended so that skills can be developed and competence achieved. Lesson plans are available on request or can be developed for a particular student-group. Workshops need plenty of space - outside or inside. One-off sessions can be a group activity – building tee-pees for example – or simple individual projects such as garden sculpture.
Susanna has delivered her workshops to gardening clubs, WI groups, primary schools, secondary schools, homeless people, people with learning difficulties, people with mental health problems, groups of business people on ‘away days’ . She has a current Enhanced CRB certificate. References are available on request.
Workshop prices depend on the numbers of participants. The basic minimum price is £100 for a half day plus minimum £50 for the willow. Susanna is based in London and East Anglia
Get Weaving was started by Susanna Longley, a trained horticulturalist and artist. Susanna came to willow-weaving from willow-growing. She harvests the organically grown willow used in her workshops from her own plantation.
After 2 years weaving willow with homeless people at a Cambridge-based drop-in centre, Susanna recognised the benefits of weaving to wide cross-section of people, including those with physical impairments and mental health issues.
The workshop sessions available range from one-off taster sessions for service-users to training sessions for teachers and therapists. A series of day-long sessions are recommended so that skills can be developed and competence achieved. Lesson plans are available on request or can be developed for a particular student-group. Workshops need plenty of space - outside or inside. One-off sessions can be a group activity – building tee-pees for example – or simple individual projects such as garden sculpture.
Susanna has delivered her workshops to gardening clubs, WI groups, primary schools, secondary schools, homeless people, people with learning difficulties, people with mental health problems, groups of business people on ‘away days’ . She has a current Enhanced CRB certificate. References are available on request.
Workshop prices depend on the numbers of participants. The basic minimum price is £100 for a half day plus minimum £50 for the willow. Susanna is based in London and East Anglia